Among today's Gourmet Hunters, those with the power to take down a capture level 30 target certainly exist—but they're absolutely in the minority.
Before the "story" truly begins, even Toriko at best could handle something like the Devil Serpent—and that was with the help of another of the Four Heavenly Kings.
The Thunder Yak Shun captured stands above the Devil Serpent in strength. Think about it: if even a King can't reliably bring it down, how many people could? Likely only those once-legendary Hunters who've long since retired.
The Hotel Gourmet's director understood this perfectly. Once the ingredient's authenticity was confirmed, his attitude toward Shun shifted again.
"My apologies, Shun-san."
Director Tanaka's tone became deeply respectful, shaded with awe. "For meat this fresh and brimming with electric vitality—Thunder Yak is… simply astonishing! Your request to designate Head Chef Komatsu is his honor—and a tremendous vote of confidence in our hotel."
Shun's lips curved. "Confidence? Funny—you know this is my first time here."
"No matter. From today, you are a valued guest of our hotel."
Tanaka seemed to recall something. His expression grew serious. "If I'm not mistaken, Thunder Yak has peculiarities—especially guiding and stabilizing the lightning coursing within the flesh. It demands extremely high technique and experience. Chef Komatsu's talent is exceptional, but he's still young. To ensure absolute perfection, would you permit our Executive Chef to be present as well?"
Executive Chef?
In the "Toriko" storyline there was never any on-screen mention of Hotel Gourmet's executive chef.
Shun's interest piqued at once. Whoever could hold that post here—what sort of figure was he?
"Interesting."
Shun's smile deepened. He'd grown genuinely curious about this unseen master. "To command the kitchens of an IGO flagship like this, he must be anything but ordinary. I'd like to witness your executive chef's style. How should I address him?"
Seeing Shun's interest, Tanaka answered at once, still deferential. "Our Executive Chef's surname is Lin—given name Tenka. Chef Tenka has served in the IGO's Culinary Division for over thirty years and has overseen multiple state banquets. He has extraordinary experience handling rare ingredients with intense energy. Were it not for his quiet nature and disdain for fame, he would already be hailed worldwide as a titan of the culinary arts."
Lin Tenka?
The "Toriko" world has eastern countries as a nation too; one of its most representative chefs ranks within the world's top twenty—the "Little Emperor."
Sharing that origin, Shun felt a touch of kinship.
He nodded. "Good. Please invite Chef Tenka to join us. With Komatsu's inspiration and Tenka's experience, I'm sure we can bring out the absolute peak of Thunder Yak."
"Thank you for your understanding and trust!" Relief washed over Tanaka; he was even a little excited.
This wasn't only Komatsu's chance—it was also a perfect moment to show this unfathomably capable young Hunter the hotel's true strength.
Shun's mouth quirked upward.
Sure enough, coming here reveals things that diverge from the 'plot.'
Soon after, Shun was invited into Hotel Gourmet's kitchen.
The kitchen was vast—ceiling easily over five meters high, bright as day.
The floor was a special anti-slip, corrosion-resistant alloy polished to a mirror sheen.
All around stood high-tech culinary equipment Shun couldn't even name—all meticulously arranged: energy-regulated ranges, ecological preservation zones, heavy-force prep stations, aroma-isolation rooms, intelligent seasoning systems…
Yet at the very heart of this futuristic space stood a traditional, oversized Chinese wok range, and beside it a workbench of special heat-resistant jade, laid out with knives of many forms and sizes.
This collision—and fusion—of tradition and modernity, technology and technique, defined the core kitchen's unique style.
There weren't many staff present, but each wore a solemn focus and tended to their station without a hitch.
Seeing Director Tanaka personally lead a young man in, they glanced over with curiosity and respect—hands never pausing.
"This is our Supreme Kitchen," Tanaka introduced.
Obviously, Hotel Gourmet has more than one kitchen—this is simply the best and largest of them.
"Ordinarily, it's reserved for processing special ingredients above capture level 20, or for the IGO's most important guests. Every assistant here has at least ten years' experience in top restaurants."
As he spoke, a door on the far side opened.
An elderly man entered—lean but strikingly upright in a pristine executive chef's coat.
His hair was combed immaculately; silver still flecked his temples, yet his complexion was ruddy, his gaze limpid and razor-sharp.
His steps were steady; a seasoned dignity radiated from him—tempered by decades at the stove.
There was no doubt—this was the hotel's Executive Chef, Lin Tenka.
His eyes first fell on Tanaka and Shun; he returned a slight nod. Then his gaze was immediately drawn to the custom ingredient chest on the service cart.
He bypassed pleasantries and walked straight to it.
Without any instrument, he hovered his palm over the lid and closed his eyes for a moment's concentration.
A faint, barely audible "zz—la" crackle came from within, as if resonating with his palm.
Shun's brows rose in surprise.
Shoku-Gi!
No mistake—Lin Tenka was using Shoku-Gi arts.
Seconds later, Lin Tenka opened his eyes; a glint flashed there, and his tone held the subtlest note of admiration. "Thunder runs through the grain; the life force is gathered, yet unscattered. A fine yak indeed. More rare is the capture—done without panic or struggle. Its 'living' quality is preserved at the peak. That takes no small amount of mastery…"
He finished and shifted his gaze to Shun—those keen eyes felt as though they might see straight through him.
Inwardly, Lin Tenka couldn't help but sigh.
This young man had not only felled such a savage beast single-handed, but had also preserved its essence with an almost perfect technique. That kind of strength lies far beyond the ordinary Gourmet Hunter.
"This concealed yet grand momentum… very good… a practitioner of Shoku-Gi."
…
(End of Chapter)
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